Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

List the features that distinguish the kingdom Animalia from other kingdoms
Explain the processes of animal reproduction and embryonic development
Describe the roles that Hox genes play in development

CK-12’s Life Science delivers a full course of study in the life sciences for the middle school student, relating an understanding of the history, disciplines, tools, and modern techniques of science to the exploration of cell biology, genetics, evolution, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, the animal kingdom, the human body, and ecology. This digital textbook was reviewed for its alignment with California content standards.

This site from the National Zoological Park provides extensive information about many types of animals. Just click on the category you need. Includes pictures and live web cams.

We think that humans are at the top of the evolutionary ladder. But is being big, brainy, and fast the best design? Evolution has produced many animals with different approaches to life. Every animal is uniquely adapted to win at the game of survival. [3:50]